First United Methodist Church-Brighton & Whitmore Lake

MLK Day of Service
2026-01-19 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day as a federal holiday and 31 years as a national day of service — a “Day On, Not a Day Off.”
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You’re invited to give your time in service in one of these partner projects (space is limited, please sign up in advance):

Food Pantry Volunteer, 8:15-11 am (Whitmore Lake Area Human Services)

Help stock food and create toiletry bags for clients. Families welcome (Children 5 and older with their adult) Whitmore Lake Area Human Services Food Pantry, 9075 Brookside Dr, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

Kitchen Volunteer, 1-4 pm (Cass Community Social Services)

Help in the kitchen at Cass Community Social Services. Families welcome (ages 10+ with their adult). 11850 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit

Signup Online
Contact Suzanne Everett
Note: the church building is closed Jan. 19, 2026, for the holiday. Meet at the locations listed above.

Welcome Statement Listening Session (Zoom)
2026-01-20 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | zoom
Zoom Link
Part of our Strategic Plan “Goal 6” is to develop a welcome or belonging statement that quickly lets people know if they would be welcomed and included in the ministries of First UMC as they are searching for a church home.
Please complete an online questionnaire (available Jan. 4-11) — paper forms will also be available.
And attend one of three listening sessions provide your constructive feedback to help the welcome statement team gain valuable insight to craft language that feels appropriate for our church.

Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 1 pm, Brighton Campus
Tuesday, Jan. 20 @ 6 pm, Zoom link
Sunday, Feb. 2 @ 10:15 am, Whitmore Lake Campus

Preschool Open House
2026-01-26 17:00 - 19:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
First Steps Preschool 2026-27 Pre-Registration Open House: Meet the teachers, tour the classrooms, and learn more about what makes First Steps Preschool an amazing choice for your child’s preschool education.

First Steps Preschool is a nonprofit, creatively-oriented, Christian preschool located inside First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus. Our half-day programs offer a wide range of engaging activities to spark the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of 2-, 3- and 4-year-old children. Families appreciate our small class sizes that promote individualized attention and our outstanding teaching staff!

You do not need to be a member of this or any church to participate.

Haiti Fundraiser Dinner
2026-01-27 18:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
You can help plant seeds of hope in Haiti! The Michigan Conference churches voted in 2025 to support this state-wide campaign to transform communities in Haiti through sustainable agriculture, education, and healthcare initiatives.
Come for a simple dinner and inspiring program by Rev. Tiffany Newsom, chair of Mi Haiti Partnership. Your RSVP below is helpful (though not required). Everyone welcome!
By supporting this cause, you provide vital resources that empower local farmers, educate children, and enhance healthcare access. Together, we can build a brighter future for Haitian families, fostering resilience and sustainable growth.

This campaign supports the Michigan Conference Commitment to the People of Haiti and three important EngageMI partners; Grace Children’s Hospital, HAPI – Haitian Assets for Peace International, and Jeremie Rising—nurturing a “healthy field” for lasting change. Half of all donations also empower local leaders through a new partner, Grassroots Community Voices Foundation (MUSO). Learn about these partners – Planting Hope in Haiti.

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Welcome Statement Listening Session (Whitmore Lake Campus)
2026-02-01 10:15 - 2026-02-02 11:15 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Part of our Strategic Plan “Goal 6” is to develop a welcome or belonging statement that quickly lets people know if they would be welcomed and included in the ministries of First UMC as they are searching for a church home.
Please complete an online questionnaire (available Jan. 4-11) — paper forms will also be available.
And attend one of three listening sessions provide your constructive feedback to help the welcome statement team gain valuable insight to craft language that feels appropriate for our church.

Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 1 pm, Brighton Campus
Tuesday, Jan. 20 @ 6 pm, Zoom link
Sunday, Feb. 2 @ 10:15 am, Whitmore Lake Campus

DIA Field Trip: Contemporary Anishinaabe Art
2026-02-07 10:30 - 17:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
You are invited to the Detroit Institute of Arts to explore Native American art and film.

We will carpool from the Brighton Campus parking lot at 10:30 am and see the exhibit: “Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation.”

Enjoy lunch at the DIA Cafe (bring $$, see below) and then at 2pm, we will attend a lecture led by filmmaker Ishkuaazhe Shane McSauby who will introduce three of his short films.

Museum admission $20/person ($10 for seniors) includes the exhibits and films, please RSVP below but you’ll pay for your ticket at the museum.

Return to church approximately 5pm.

Café DIA is a cafeteria-style restaurant that offers a menu of fresh foods including daily house-made soup or chili, a grab & go bar, traditional grill favorites, and pizza. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

Field trip sponsored by the Church and Society Committee, Anti-bias/Anti-racism Project. Please contact Kara Shuell to sign up and if you need a scholarship to attend.

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Pancake Dinner
2026-02-17 17:00 - 19:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Free Pancake Dinner sponsored by the Red Bird Mission Team. All donations will help defray the cost of materials on the home repair projects when the team goes to Kentucky in the fall.
Menu will include:

Regular/Blueberry/Chocolate Chip/Gluten-Free Pancakes
Sausage and Bacon
Applesauce
Apple & Orange Juice
Regular and Oat Milk
Coffee/Tea

The Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky serves the physical, educational and spiritual needs of Appalachia. Red Bird Mission is a ministry of the United Methodist Church. There are opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in this mission trip that will happen Oct. 4-9, 2026. Contact Gene Smith.

Ash Wednesday, Brighton Campus-7pm
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent—a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. In a world that moves fast, this is an invitation to pause, to acknowledge our need for God’s grace, and to begin a journey toward Easter with humility and hope.
Start your Lenten journey with a time of quiet and creative prayer practices as well as the imposition of ashes as we remember that we are dust, yet deeply loved by God. Come as you are, and step into this sacred season with a heart open to transformation.

Due to the nature of this event, it will not be livestreamed.

UMWF: Artwork & Luncheon
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly luncheon and general meeting of United Methodist Women in Faith.
Program: Artwork by Ariel Jin

Parent Night Out
2026-02-20 17:30 - 19:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Parents, enjoy an evening out while your kids have a blast! Cost is free. Sign up to reserve your spot today — space is limited!

Register Online

District Training
2026-02-21 09:30 - 14:30 | Howell First United Methodist Church, 1230 Bower St, Howell, MI, 48843
You are invited to this training — open to all church leaders, pastors, and those who are interested in building community connections, exploring additional financial resources, and developing discipleship opportunities.
9:30 AM—Welcome
9:45 AM Community Connection—Rock the Crock with Rev. John Messner
10:00 AM Session 1: The Foundation with Rev. Joel Fitzgerald
10:45 AM Community Connection—Artsy Friends with Rev. Melany Chalker
11:00 AM Session 2: Grant Writing with Lisa Batten
11:45 AM Community Connection—Free Coffee Hour with Rev. Sonrisa Cortes
Noon—Lunch
12:45 PM Session 3: Discipleship with Rev. Steven Manskar
1:30 PM—Q&A Breakout Sessions: Foundation, Grant Writing, Discipleship and Community Connections
2:15 PM—Closing
Download flyer
Register for the event at Howell FUMC

This same event will take place again on March 7 at Adrian First UMC

Mothers Leading Mothers
2026-02-24 20:00 - 21:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Mothers Leading Mothers is a supportive and encouraging community for mothers in the throes of active parenting to learn from and grow with one another. It meets online because you’re busy and the kids are in bed. 😉
Register
Session 1, Feb. 24
She Led the Way: This month’s topic, “She Led The Way: A Spotlight on Women Leaders” celebrates the stories, strength and faith of women who led with courage and purpose. Come be inspired, connect with other moms and reflect on the ways leadership shows up in our own lives and families.
Session 2, March 24

Grateful in the Becoming: We’ll explore how to practice gratitude in the becoming, the process of growing, evolving, and unfolding as mothers, women, and humans. This conversation focuses on gratitude not only for what is, but for what is becoming within us.

Session 2, April 28
Coming Soon

Prayer Vigil
2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Prayer for Justice, Peace & Healing
→Be in community and prayer in Brighton, Michigan, as ecumenical and interfaith leaders and communities gather in Washington, D.C., for a public witness grounded in worship, moral courage,
and solidarity with our neighbors. Several United Methodist agencies (Church and Society, Religion and Race, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief) are participating in an ecumenical and interfaith worship service and march calling for the humane treatment of immigrants.
Local Response
You are invited to a prayer service that will include a variety of prayer practices plus watching and worshiping together with the event in D.C. via livestream.

9:30 am Gathering time
10 am Livestream Worship Service (Capitol Hill UMC)
11 am Local Prayer Vigil
11:30 am Service Concludes, Going Forth

Washington, D.C. Event
If you are able to attend the event in DC, please contact Pastor Lynn if you would like to help with this event locally or would consider traveling to Washington, DC. Learn more about the Michigan Conference response to this event.
Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice
Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Register now (for DC event).

Road to Justice
2026-03-08 10:30 - 12:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Learn about the ways we all can work together toward justice. Sponsored by the Church & Society Committee and its five justice projects, Economic Justice, Accessibility for All, Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism, Welcoming All: LGBTQ+ Advocacy, and the Green Team. Pick up a road map, navigate the rest stops and pick up souvenirs.

Advocacy Day
2026-03-18 08:30 - 14:00 | Central UMC, Lansing, 215 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI, 48933, United States
Annual Advocacy Day Lansing
The fourth annual Advocacy Day at the Michigan State Capitol will be Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
This year’s focus is food insecurity and the church conference is working with the Food Bank Council of Michigan to craft the best approach.
https://michiganumc.org/justice-and-advocacy/

Registration opens soon
Monday, Jan. 26 at 7 pm: Advocacy Day Launch event (Z00m)
Wednesday, February 11 – Lunch and Learn
Sunday, March 1 – Registration Deadline
Monday, March 2, 7pm – Training #1
Monday, March 9, 7pm – Training #2
Wednesday, March 18 – Advocacy Day

Register Online
Advocacy Day Schedule (coming soon)
Wednesday, March 18, 2025
Central UMC in Lansing – 215 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
To learn more about the Church & Society Committee of First UMC, visit our webpage.
If you’d like to carpool from the Brighton Campus, please contact Suzanne Everett.

Egg Hunt-Brighton
2026-03-21 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Children and their families are invited to a FREE outdoor Easter Egg Hunt, April 12. We are so excited to share the joy of Easter with you and your children and grandchildren!
Please register in advance (see below). We’ll have different areas for the egg hunt to help spread things out. Siblings are welcome to hunt for eggs in the same area.
Donations are being requested to prepare 2,000 eggs. Please drop off individually wrapped nut-free candy/chocolate and medium/large plastic eggs at the Brighton or Whitmore Lake campuses by March 1. No homemade treats. Thank you!
Register (children and sign up to volunteer)

Egg Hunt-Whitmore Lake
2026-03-21 13:00 - 14:00 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Children and their families are invited to a FREE outdoor Easter Egg Hunt, March 21. We are so excited to share the joy of Easter with you and your children and grandchildren!
Please register in advance (see below). We’ll have different areas for the egg hunt to help spread things out. Siblings are welcome to hunt for eggs in the same area.
Donations are being requested to prepare 2,000 eggs. Please drop off individually wrapped nut-free candy/chocolate and medium/large plastic eggs at the Brighton or Whitmore Lake campuses by March 1. No homemade treats. Thank you!
Register (children and sign up to volunteer)

Zone 3 Mission Event: Meal Packing
2026-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Howell First United Methodist Church, 1230 Bower St, Howell, MI, 48843
Join with 16 churches in “Zone 3” of the Heritage District to pack meal kits that will feed hungry people around the world! It will be a fun afternoon and great way to get to know United Methodists in nearby cities.
THE RICE AND SOY BLESSING BAG

1 Blessing Bag feeds 6 people.
Ingredients:
Vitamin pack
Dehydrated vegetables
Soy
White Rice

These Rice and Soy Blessing Bags not only meet hunger needs, but meet nutritional needs to provide lasting energy.
How can you help?

Donate: Each meal bag costs $2. The goal is to pack 2,400 bags. Give online or by cash/check and designate “meal packs.”
Volunteer: The goal is to have about seven volunteers from each church help with the food kit packing on March 22 (2-4 pm) at Howell First UMC. Register

Learn more about the meal kits and Midwest Mission that provides the food and all the materials to pack the bags. click here

Spaghetti Dinner
2026-03-28 17:00 - 19:00 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Help build homes through Habitat for Humanity just by eating spaghetti!
A delicious way to support a great cause. The dinner menu includes spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce, salad, dinner roll, desserts, plus coffee and water. Note: Gluten-free pasta, vegan cheese, and gluten-free bread will be available as well.
Reservations are not required, but your sign-up below will help us plan. Thank you! Donations accepted. Walk-ins welcome!

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Palm Sunday - Whitmore Lake
2026-03-29 09:15 - 10:30 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Children and others who want to participate are invited to meet in the entry way to the sanctuary to be part of the parade of palms, waving palm branches and lifting our voices in praise of the Lord.

Whitmore Lake Campus

9:15 am Worship
Fellowship Time and Sunday School after service

Palm Sunday - Brighton (9:30 and 11 am)
2026-03-29 09:30 - 10:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Before going to Sunday School, children are invited to meet in the entry way to the sanctuary to be part of the parade of palms, waving palm branches and lifting our voices in praise of the Lord.

Brighton Campus

9:30 am Worship* and Sunday School/Nursery
Fellowship Time after each service
11:00 am Band-Led Worship* and Children’s Message/Nursery
*Livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube

Maundy Thursday Service
2026-04-02 19:00 - 20:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Soliloquy of the Twelve
On this night, Jesus knelt to wash dusty feet. He broke bread with friends and strangers. Immerse yourself in Holy Week with this sacred Maundy Thursday re-enactment. We will hear the stories of Jesus’ followers as they try to make sense of the accusation that one of them will be betray Him.

Call for Actors

Is It You? Seeking Actors for Maundy Thursday, March 28
Every other year First UMC presents a re-enactment of the last supper on Maundy Thursday. We’re looking for 12 men to portray the 12 disciples. As a disciple of Jesus, you sit in the pose of DaVinci’s “Last Supper” painting, and one by one each disciple delivers a short soliloquy of what may have been their thoughts as Jesus says one of them will betray him. The soliloquies do not have to be memorized, but learning it well will certainly help in your delivery. Want to learn more? Contact Susan Kimball, 517-376-2215, susan@brightonfumc.org

Good Friday-12pm
2026-04-03 12:00 - 13:00 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
On Good Friday, we stand at the foot of the cross and bear witness to the final hours of Jesus’ life. Through scripture and reflection, voices from across the spectrum of ministry—those actively serving, those retired, and those discerning their call—will guide us through the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. As we journey together through these powerful moments, we contemplate the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and what it means for us today. Enter into the passion story through this service of reverence, reflection, and holy remembrance.

Good Friday-7pm
2026-04-03 19:00 - 20:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
On Good Friday, we stand at the foot of the cross and bear witness to the final hours of Jesus’ life. Through scripture and reflection, voices from across the spectrum of ministry—those actively serving, those retired, and those discerning their call—will guide us through the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. As we journey together through these powerful moments, we contemplate the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and what it means for us today. Enter into the passion story through this service of reverence, reflection, and holy remembrance.
Livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.

Easter Sunday-Sunrise Service
2026-04-05 07:30 - 08:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
“Morning has broken” — gather for a special sunrise service in the Memorial Garden celebrating the resurrection of the risen Christ. Refreshments available after the service.
Additional Easter Worship Services:

9:15 am – Whitmore Lake Campus
9:30 am – Brighton Campus
11 am – Brighton Campus
9:30 am & 11 am – Online

Easter Sunday-Whitmore Lake
2026-04-05 09:15 - 10:15 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Hallelujah! Christ Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed! You are invited to worship on this day of triumph and hope.

Whitmore Lake Campus

9:15 am Worship
Fellowship Time after service

Easter Sunday-Brighton (9:30 and 11 am)
2026-04-05 09:30 - 10:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Hallelujah! Christ Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed! You are invited to worship on this day of triumph and hope.

Brighton Campus

7:15 am Sunrise Worship in Memorial Garden
9:30 am Worship* and Sunday School/Nursery
Fellowship Time after each service
11:00 am Band-Led Worship* and Children’s Message/Nursery
*Livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube

Morning for Moms
2026-04-11 09:30 - 12:30 | The Well, Brighton Campus, 400 E. Grand River Ae, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
A Half Day of Relaxation and Spiritual Renewal for Moms
Childcare Available Nursery – 5th Grade (anyone in 6th grade and older is welcome to volunteer with the kids/nursery, if their mom needs them to go with younger siblings).
Retreat leader: Rev. Cora Glass
Free
Register by Wednesday, April 8.

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Let There Be Light
2026-04-12 13:00 - 14:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Energy, Solar Power and the Church
God saw everything that God had made, and indeed, it was very good. God calls us to be stewards of creation. You are invited to hear how churches and partner programs are reducing their energy usage, identifying areas to improve their environmental impact, as well as how using solar power can conserve resources and lower electric bills. Sponsored by the Green Team, Church & Society Committee.
In honor of Earth Day and part of our three-part sermon series, “God Called It Very Good.”

Unclobber Book Study
2026-04-14 13:00 - 14:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Pastor Jon Reynolds leads this five-week book study. Are you curious about what the Bible has to say about human sexuality and why people understand it differently? The book “UnClobber” re-examines six frequently quoted passages of Scripture — often called the “clobber passages.” The author invites us to look closely at what the Bible says (and does not say) about homosexuality in such a way that breathes fresh life into assumptions and interpretations.

Register online
